Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Patagonia Fezzman Short Sleeved Shirt

A shirt that does dayhike and "meet the parents" equally well.

For most of my friends, going into the backcountry is a perfect excuse to ignore daily tasks like showering, shaving, and generally bothering to look remotely presentable. However, there are times that dressing like Pig-Pen might not serve you well – for example three of my recently married friends met their wives, or had first dates, in the backcountry. Enter the Fezzman.

My favorite aspect of this plaid or striped button-down is its versatility. I sported it on a Friday evening for dinner with my girlfriend’s parents, and the next day I wore it from dawn to dusk while dayhiking along central California’s coast. Although the 70/30 cotton/polyester blend (extra credit to Patagonia for using organic cotton) isn’t ideal for extended trips where you may want a more technical layer, I loved it on shorter endeavors for its worn-in comfort and natural feel. Bonus: Patagonia also makes a long-sleeved variety for just $10 more.